Anselmo Lopez iHuman Case Study
Anselmo Lopez is a 57-year-old Hispanic male construction/flooring worker presenting to the clinic with elevated blood pressure readings of approximately 170/92 discovered at a community wellness event. He reports a history of self-treating acid reflux with over-the-counter omeprazole and bilateral knee pain with ibuprofen. The patient has been absent from preventative health screenings for several years and consumes elevated processed foods high in fat and sodium.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through how to approach his case, from initial cardiovascular assessment through systematic physical examination to the final diagnosis of Essential Hypertension. You’ll learn the key clinical reasoning steps for hypertensive disorders, what the iHuman grading rubric expects, and a complete step-by-step solution to help you confidently navigate this essential primary care case simulation involving hypertension diagnosis and management.

Anselmo Lopez iHuman Case Overview (Doorway Information)
Patient Overview: Anselmo Lopez is a 57-year-old Hispanic male presenting with chief complaint of elevated blood pressure discovered at a community wellness event with readings of 172/94 left arm and 178/98 right arm. He was brought to the clinic for comprehensive evaluation and management of newly discovered hypertension.
Key Background Information:
- Age/Gender: 57-year-old Hispanic male
- Height/Weight: 195 lbs (BMI: 28.8) – overweight
- Occupation: Construction/flooring worker
- Chief Complaint: Elevated blood pressure readings at health fair
- Blood Pressure: 172/94 mmHg (left arm), 178/98 mmHg (right arm)
- Presenting Situation: Adult primary care clinic visit for hypertension evaluation
- Associated Conditions: Acid reflux, bilateral knee pain
- Significant History: ACL repair (unknown date), family history of hypertension and diabetes
- Current Status: Previously undiagnosed hypertensive adult male
- Risk Factors: Age, ethnicity, obesity, poor diet, sedentary occupation
- Physical Findings: Prominent AV nicking (3:1), laterally displaced PMI
The patient appears well but has been avoiding medical care for several years. His presentation with significantly elevated blood pressure, retinal changes, and cardiac findings suggests established hypertension requiring immediate intervention. This makes it an excellent case for learning systematic adult cardiovascular assessment and evidence-based hypertension management principles.
Anselmo Lopez (57 y/o Hispanic male) – Adult Cardiovascular Assessment
- CC: Elevated blood pressure readings at community health fair
- MSAP: Essential Hypertension – requiring antihypertensive therapy and lifestyle modifications
- Associated symptoms: Occasional headaches, fatigue, bilateral knee pain
- History: Acid reflux on omeprazole, knee pain on NSAIDs, previous ACL repair
- High-risk factors: Age 57, Hispanic ethnicity, obesity, poor diet, family history
History Questions:
- How can I help you today?
- What brought you to the clinic today?
- Tell me about your blood pressure readings at the health fair?
- Have you ever been told you have high blood pressure before?
- When was your last visit to a healthcare provider?
- Do you take any medications regularly?
- Do you have any chest pain or shortness of breath?
- Do you experience headaches or dizziness?
- Tell me about your work – what do you do for a living?
- Do you exercise regularly?
- Describe your typical diet for me?
- How much salt would you say you consume daily?
- Do you smoke or use tobacco products?
- How much alcohol do you drink per week?
- Do you have trouble sleeping or snore loudly?
- Any family history of heart disease or high blood pressure?
- Have you had any surgeries in the past?
- Do you have any ongoing medical problems?
- Are you taking any over-the-counter medications?
- Any allergies to medications?
- Do you have any concerns about your health?
Physical Exam:
Vitals: Blood pressure (both arms), pulse, respirations, temperature, weight, height, BMI calculation
General appearance: Level of distress, overall appearance, body habitus, apparent state of health
Cardiovascular Assessment:
- Comprehensive blood pressure measurement in both arms
- Heart rate and rhythm evaluation
- Point of maximal impulse location and character
- Assessment for murmurs, gallops, or extra heart sounds
- Peripheral pulse examination (radial, femoral, pedal pulses)
- Assessment for jugular venous distension
- Evaluation for peripheral edema
Fundoscopic Examination:
- Detailed retinal examination for hypertensive retinopathy
- Assessment for arteriovenous nicking, cotton wool spots, flame hemorrhages
- Evaluation of cup-to-disc ratio and papilledema
Neck Assessment:
- Carotid pulse examination and auscultation for bruits
- Thyroid gland palpation
- Assessment of jugular venous pressure
Respiratory Assessment:
- Lung examination for adventitious sounds
- Assessment of respiratory effort and pattern
- Evaluation for signs of pulmonary edema
Abdominal Assessment:
- Auscultation for renal artery bruits
- Palpation for abdominal aortic aneurysm
- Assessment of liver size and tenderness
- Evaluation for masses or organomegaly
Neurological Assessment:
- Assessment of mental status and orientation
- Evaluation for focal neurological deficits
- Assessment of reflexes and motor function
Assessment Note:
A.L. is a 57-year-old Hispanic male presenting with newly discovered essential hypertension. Physical examination notable for significantly elevated blood pressure readings (172/94 and 178/98), evidence of target organ damage with prominent arteriovenous nicking (3:1) on fundoscopic examination, and laterally displaced point of maximal impulse suggesting left ventricular hypertrophy. His presentation with multiple cardiovascular risk factors and evidence of chronic hypertensive changes indicates established disease requiring comprehensive management.
Diagnostic Testing: Basic metabolic panel, lipid profile, urinalysis with microscopy, electrocardiogram, echocardiogram, chest X-ray, thyroid function tests
Diagnosis: Essential Hypertension with evidence of target organ damage
Plan:
- Initiate antihypertensive therapy with ACE inhibitor or thiazide diuretic
- Comprehensive lifestyle modifications including dietary changes and exercise
- Patient education about hypertension management and medication compliance
- Regular blood pressure monitoring and follow-up care
- Screening for additional cardiovascular risk factors
- Referral for ophthalmologic evaluation of retinal changes
Anselmo Lopez SOAP Note
Patient: Anselmo Lopez
Subjective Data
CC: 57-year-old Hispanic male presents with “high blood pressure found at health fair”
HPI: 57-year-old previously undiagnosed male presents to primary care clinic for evaluation of elevated blood pressure discovered at a community wellness event. Patient reports blood pressure readings of approximately 170/92 taken at the health fair, which prompted recommendation for immediate medical evaluation. He admits to avoiding healthcare for “several years” and reports he has been told in the past that his blood pressure was elevated but never sought treatment. Patient denies chest pain, shortness of breath, or palpitations but reports occasional headaches and generalized fatigue that he attributes to work stress. He describes his occupation as construction and flooring work, which involves heavy physical labor. Patient acknowledges poor dietary habits with frequent consumption of processed foods, fast food, and high sodium intake. He denies current tobacco use but reports social alcohol consumption on weekends.
Medications: Omeprazole 20mg daily (OTC) for acid reflux, Ibuprofen 400mg as needed for bilateral knee pain
Allergies: No known drug, food, or environmental allergies reported
PMH: History of acid reflux managed with OTC omeprazole, bilateral knee pain treated with NSAIDs, surgical history significant for ACL repair (unknown date), no previous diagnoses of hypertension or cardiac disease, absent from preventative healthcare for multiple years
Family History: Significant for hypertension and diabetes mellitus in family members
Social History: 57-year-old construction worker, poor dietary habits with consumption of processed foods high in fat and sodium, occasional social alcohol use, denies tobacco or illicit drug use, lives independently, works full-time in physically demanding job
Review of Systems: Notable for occasional headaches, generalized fatigue, bilateral knee pain, and symptoms of acid reflux. Denies chest pain, shortness of breath, palpitations, syncope, vision changes, nausea, vomiting, or neurological symptoms.
Objective Data
General: Alert, oriented 57-year-old Hispanic male in no acute distress, appears stated age, overweight body habitus
Vital Signs: Blood Pressure 172/94 mmHg (left arm), 178/98 mmHg (right arm), Heart Rate 82 bpm, Respiratory Rate 16 breaths/min, Temperature 98.6°F, Weight 195 lbs, BMI 28.8 (overweight)
Physical Examination:
- Appearance: Alert and oriented, cooperative, no acute distress, overweight male
- HEENT: Normocephalic, atraumatic, fundoscopic examination reveals prominent arteriovenous nicking (3:1), consistent with hypertensive retinopathy, no papilledema, normal tympanic membranes
- Neck: No thyromegaly, no lymphadenopathy, carotid pulses 2+ without bruits, no jugular venous distension
- Cardiovascular: Point of maximal impulse laterally displaced, suggesting left ventricular hypertrophy, regular rate and rhythm, no murmurs, gallops, or rubs, peripheral pulses 2+ throughout
- Respiratory: Chest expansion symmetrical, lungs clear to auscultation bilaterally, no accessory muscle use, no signs of pulmonary edema
- Abdomen: Soft, non-tender, normoactive bowel sounds, no hepatosplenomegaly, no palpable masses, no abdominal bruits
- Extremities: No pedal edema, normal range of motion, bilateral knee tenderness with palpation
- Neurologic: Alert and oriented x4, no focal neurological deficits, normal reflexes, normal gait
Assessment
Primary Diagnosis: Essential Hypertension with evidence of target organ damage (I10)
Secondary Concerns:
- Hypertensive retinopathy
- Possible left ventricular hypertrophy
- Obesity (BMI 28.8)
- Cardiovascular risk factor modification needed
Differential Diagnoses
Essential Hypertension: Most likely diagnosis given patient’s age, ethnicity, family history, and lifestyle factors. The presence of target organ damage including retinal arteriovenous nicking and laterally displaced PMI suggests chronic, established hypertension. The constellation of risk factors including age over 55, Hispanic ethnicity, obesity, poor dietary habits, and positive family history strongly supports primary hypertension.
Secondary Hypertension: Less likely given the typical presentation and risk factor profile. However, given the significantly elevated readings, secondary causes should be considered including renal artery stenosis, primary aldosteronism, pheochromocytoma, or thyroid disorders. The absence of specific symptoms or physical findings makes secondary causes less probable.
White Coat Hypertension: Possible consideration given the clinical setting; however, the presence of target organ damage (retinal changes and cardiac findings) suggests true sustained hypertension rather than situational elevation.
Renovascular Hypertension: Could be considered given the severity of presentation, but absence of abdominal bruits and typical demographic make this less likely. Further evaluation with renal function assessment would be appropriate.
Sleep Apnea-Related Hypertension: Patient is at risk for obstructive sleep apnea due to age, gender, and hypertension. The combination of obesity and hypertension raises suspicion for sleep-disordered breathing as a contributing factor.
Most Likely Diagnosis: Essential Hypertension evidenced by significantly elevated blood pressure readings, evidence of chronic target organ damage, multiple cardiovascular risk factors, and positive family history in appropriate demographic population.
Plan
Health Promotion: ✓ Lifestyle Modifications – Comprehensive dietary counseling focusing on DASH diet principles, sodium restriction (<2300mg daily), weight reduction strategies ✓ Exercise Prescription – Structured aerobic exercise program 150 minutes moderate intensity weekly, considering occupational physical demands ✓ Cardiovascular Risk Reduction – Smoking cessation counseling if applicable, alcohol moderation, stress management techniques ✓ Patient Education – Understanding of hypertension, importance of medication compliance, home blood pressure monitoring
Screening: ✓ Cardiovascular Risk Assessment – Lipid profile, diabetes screening, electrocardiogram, echocardiogram to assess left ventricular function ✓ Target Organ Damage Evaluation – Urinalysis with microalbumin, serum creatinine, ophthalmologic referral for comprehensive retinal evaluation ✓ Secondary Hypertension Screening – Basic metabolic panel, thyroid function tests, consideration of sleep study
Interventions: ✓ Antihypertensive Therapy – Initiate ACE inhibitor (Lisinopril 10mg daily) or thiazide diuretic (Hydrochlorothiazide 25mg daily) based on patient characteristics and contraindications ✓ Medication Management – Review current NSAID use for knee pain, consider alternatives due to hypertensive effects ✓ Monitoring Plan – Return visit in 2-4 weeks for blood pressure recheck and medication tolerance assessment ✓ Long-term Management – Goal blood pressure <130/80 mmHg, regular follow-up every 3-6 months once stable

Complete Step-by-Step Guide to Writing the Anselmo Lopez iHuman Case Study
Completing the Anselmo Lopez iHuman case requires a systematic approach focused on adult cardiovascular assessment and evidence-based hypertension management. This comprehensive guide will walk you through each section of the simulation, providing specific strategies and key points to ensure you achieve the required 70% score.
Step 1: Pre-Case Preparation and Initial Approach
Before diving into the case, review the doorway information and formulate your initial clinical approach.
Key Information to Note:
- 57-year-old Hispanic male with newly discovered hypertension
- Significantly elevated blood pressure readings from health fair
- Multiple cardiovascular risk factors present
- Evidence of target organ damage on examination
Initial Clinical Mindset: Approach this case with essential hypertension as your primary consideration. The age (57 years old), ethnicity (Hispanic), occupational factors, and family history immediately suggest primary hypertension, which accounts for 90-95% of all hypertensive cases in adults.
Step 2: Conducting the History of Present Illness (HPI)
The HPI is crucial for establishing the foundation of your cardiovascular diagnosis. Use the OLDCARTS mnemonic systematically:
Onset: Ask about when elevated blood pressure was first discovered
- Key points to elicit: Health fair screening, previous elevated readings, duration of symptoms
Location: Determine specific areas of concern or symptoms
- Target response: Headache location, chest discomfort, visual changes
Duration: How long patient has been avoiding medical care
- Important detail: Several years without preventative care or blood pressure monitoring
Character: Detailed description of any associated symptoms
- Critical descriptors: Headache quality, fatigue patterns, exercise tolerance
Aggravating factors: What makes symptoms worse
- Essential findings: Work stress, dietary factors, physical exertion
Relieving factors: What provides symptom relief
- Key response: Rest, changes in position, OTC medications
Timing: Pattern of symptom variation throughout day
- Important pattern: Morning headaches, fatigue patterns, work-related symptoms
Severity: Impact on patient’s daily function and work capacity
- Typical response: Functional impairment, work performance, quality of life
Step 3: Review of Systems (ROS)
Conduct a thorough but focused ROS, paying special attention to cardiovascular and related systems:
Constitutional:
- Fatigue, weakness, weight changes
- Sleep quality and potential sleep apnea symptoms
- Exercise tolerance and energy levels
Cardiovascular:
- Chest pain, palpitations, shortness of breath
- Peripheral edema, orthopnea, paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea
- Claudication or peripheral vascular symptoms
Neurological:
- Headaches, dizziness, visual changes
- Weakness, numbness, cognitive changes
- History of stroke or transient ischemic attacks
Genitourinary:
- Urinary frequency, nocturia, hematuria
- Kidney disease symptoms or history
- Sexual dysfunction (medication-related)
Step 4: Past Medical History, Social History, and Family History
Past Medical History:
- Previous blood pressure readings or diagnoses
- Cardiovascular disease, stroke, kidney disease
- Diabetes mellitus, thyroid disorders
- Medication history and responses
Social History:
- Occupational exposures and physical demands
- Dietary patterns, sodium intake, alcohol consumption
- Exercise habits and lifestyle factors
- Support systems and healthcare access
Family History:
- Family history of hypertension and diabetes mellitus
- Premature cardiovascular disease in relatives
- Stroke, kidney disease, or sudden cardiac death
Step 5: Physical Examination Strategy
Perform a comprehensive cardiovascular physical examination:
General Assessment:
- Expected findings: Well-appearing overweight male, no acute distress
- Critical component: Overall cardiovascular risk assessment
Vital Signs:
- Look for: Significantly elevated blood pressure in both arms, normal heart rate and respiratory rate
Cardiovascular Examination:
- Comprehensive cardiac assessment: laterally displaced PMI suggesting left ventricular hypertrophy
- Look for: Murmurs, gallops, peripheral pulses, signs of heart failure
Fundoscopic Examination:
- Detailed retinal assessment: prominent arteriovenous nicking (3:1)
- Look for: Cotton wool spots, flame hemorrhages, papilledema
Systemic Examination:
- Abdominal examination for bruits and organomegaly
- Extremity examination for edema and peripheral pulses
- Neurological assessment for end-organ damage
Step 6: Developing Differential Diagnoses
Propose at least 4-5 appropriate differentials with rationales:
Primary Consideration: Essential Hypertension
- Supporting evidence: Age, ethnicity, family history, lifestyle factors, target organ damage
Secondary Considerations:
- Secondary hypertension: Renal, endocrine, or vascular causes
- White coat hypertension: Less likely given target organ damage
- Sleep apnea-related hypertension: Obesity and demographic factors
- Medication-induced hypertension: NSAIDs for knee pain
Step 7: Diagnostic Test Interpretation
Interpret clinical findings to support your diagnosis:
Expected Key Findings:
- Electrocardiogram showing left ventricular hypertrophy
- Elevated serum creatinine or proteinuria indicating kidney involvement
- Normal or elevated glucose levels
- Dyslipidemia on lipid panel
Step 8: Final Diagnosis and Most Significant Active Problem (MSAP)
Primary Diagnosis: Essential Hypertension with target organ damage
Justification:
- Significantly elevated blood pressure readings (172/94, 178/98)
- Evidence of chronic hypertensive changes (retinal and cardiac)
- Multiple cardiovascular risk factors present
- Typical demographic and clinical presentation
MSAP Selection: Choose “Essential Hypertension” as your Most Significant Active Problem, as this represents the primary cardiovascular condition requiring immediate intervention and long-term management.
Step 9: Comprehensive Management Plan
Develop a multi-faceted treatment approach:
Immediate Management:
- Antihypertensive therapy initiation (ACE inhibitor or thiazide diuretic)
- Lifestyle modification counseling
- Risk factor assessment and modification
Short-term Management:
- Medication regimen: Lisinopril 10mg daily or HCTZ 25mg daily
- Dietary counseling: DASH diet, sodium restriction (<2300mg daily)
- Exercise prescription: 150 minutes moderate aerobic activity weekly
Long-term Management:
- Target blood pressure <130/80 mmHg
- Regular follow-up every 3-6 months once stable
- Annual cardiovascular risk assessment
- Screening for complications and comorbidities
Patient Education:
- Understanding hypertension as “silent killer”
- Importance of medication compliance and lifestyle changes
- Home blood pressure monitoring techniques
- When to seek immediate medical attention
Step 10: Documentation and Submission Tips
Writing Your Summary:
- Create a concise 350-word summary explaining your clinical reasoning for hypertension diagnosis
- Include how you arrived at the problem list with consideration of cardiovascular risk factors
- Cite specific assessment findings and evidence of target organ damage
- Use professional cardiovascular terminology
Key Documentation Elements:
- Assessment Statement: Brief patient summary with key cardiovascular findings
- Clinical Reasoning: Explain diagnostic thought process for essential hypertension
- Evidence-Based Management: Link treatment choices to current hypertension guidelines
- Risk Stratification: Address cardiovascular risk factors and prevention strategies
Final Submission Checklist:
- ✓ Complete cardiovascular history with systematic symptom assessment
- ✓ Comprehensive physical examination including detailed cardiac and fundoscopic assessment
- ✓ Appropriate differential diagnoses with cardiovascular considerations
- ✓ Correct final diagnosis and MSAP
- ✓ Evidence-based antihypertensive management plan
- ✓ Professional documentation with proper cardiovascular terminology
Anselmo Lopez iHuman Case Summary Grading Criteria
The Anselmo Lopez iHuman case will evaluate you across several critical domains to ensure comprehensive cardiovascular assessment skills. Here’s what you need to focus on to maximize your score:
(1) History Taking (Major Points): You must ask targeted questions about cardiovascular symptoms, risk factors, and family history to get full credit. Essential questions include: blood pressure history, cardiovascular symptoms, family history of hypertension, lifestyle factors, occupation and physical activity levels. Don’t miss asking about: medication history (especially NSAIDs), dietary habits, alcohol and tobacco use, sleep patterns, previous medical care. The rubric specifically rewards students who ask about cardiovascular risk factor assessment and target organ damage symptoms.
(2) Physical Examination (High Weight): Focus your exam on systematic cardiovascular assessment and fundoscopic examination. Must-do components: bilateral blood pressure measurement, comprehensive cardiac examination, fundoscopic assessment for retinal changes, peripheral pulse examination, assessment for signs of heart failure. Pro tip: The rubric awards points for thorough cardiovascular characterization and systematic assessment – key components that relate directly to hypertension diagnosis and risk stratification.
(3) Differential Diagnosis (Critical for Scoring): You need to propose at least 4 appropriate differentials with brief rationales. Expected differentials include: Essential Hypertension, Secondary Hypertension, White Coat Hypertension, and Sleep Apnea-related Hypertension. Scoring secret: The rubric rewards students who can distinguish between primary and secondary hypertension based on clinical presentation, risk factors, and physical examination findings.
(4) Final Diagnosis & MSAP: You must correctly identify Essential Hypertension as your Most Significant Active Problem (MSAP). Justification is key – cite the elevated blood pressure readings, evidence of target organ damage, cardiovascular risk factors, and family history as supporting evidence.
(5) Management Plan (Heavily Weighted): The rubric expects comprehensive cardiovascular management including: appropriate antihypertensive selection, lifestyle modification counseling, risk factor assessment, and follow-up planning. High-scoring responses mention: ACE inhibitor or diuretic therapy, DASH diet counseling, exercise prescription, cardiovascular risk reduction strategies, and regular monitoring plans.
(6) Patient Communication: Demonstrate appropriate communication for middle-aged adults with cardiovascular diseases. Bonus points for: explaining hypertension in patient-friendly terms, discussing lifestyle modifications, addressing cardiovascular risk factors, and providing clear follow-up guidelines.

Example of a High-Scoring Clinical Summary
Here’s how a top-performing student might document this case:
Patient Summary – Anselmo Lopez
Situation: 57-year-old Hispanic male presenting with newly discovered essential hypertension with evidence of target organ damage requiring immediate antihypertensive therapy and comprehensive cardiovascular risk management.
Background: Significant findings include appropriate demographic risk factors, family history of hypertension and diabetes, occupational and lifestyle factors contributing to cardiovascular risk. Physical examination notable for significantly elevated blood pressure readings and evidence of chronic hypertensive changes.
Assessment: Physical examination notable for overweight male with markedly elevated blood pressure readings (172/94, 178/98), prominent arteriovenous nicking on fundoscopic examination, and laterally displaced point of maximal impulse suggesting left ventricular hypertrophy. Clinical presentation and examination findings strongly support essential hypertension with target organ involvement.
Primary Diagnosis: Essential Hypertension with evidence of target organ damage
Recommendation:
- Initiate antihypertensive therapy with ACE inhibitor (Lisinopril 10mg daily) or thiazide diuretic based on patient factors
- Comprehensive lifestyle modifications including DASH diet principles, sodium restriction, and structured exercise program
- Cardiovascular risk factor modification including weight reduction and dietary counseling
- Regular blood pressure monitoring with target <130/80 mmHg
- Follow-up in 2-4 weeks for medication tolerance and blood pressure response
- Long-term cardiovascular risk assessment and screening for complications
Patient and Family Education Provided: Explained essential hypertension diagnosis and importance of lifelong management, discussed lifestyle modification strategies including dietary changes and exercise, emphasized medication adherence and regular monitoring, provided information about cardiovascular risk reduction, and established clear follow-up plan with return precautions for concerning symptoms.
Conclusion
By following this comprehensive approach to the Anselmo Lopez case, you’ll demonstrate the cardiovascular assessment skills that iHuman evaluates. Remember, success in hypertension cases requires understanding primary vs secondary hypertension differentiation: gather detailed history about cardiovascular risk factors and symptoms, perform systematic cardiovascular and fundoscopic examination, consider age-appropriate cardiovascular diagnoses in differential diagnosis, and develop evidence-based antihypertensive management plans with lifestyle modification principles. The key is treating each iHuman simulation as you would a real cardiovascular encounter – be thorough, consider the complexity of hypertension diagnosis and management, and always prioritize evidence-based therapy and risk factor modification. With this guide, you’re well-prepared to excel in this essential primary care cardiovascular case simulation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the correct diagnosis for Anselmo Lopez’s presentation?
Anselmo Lopez’s primary diagnosis is Essential Hypertension with evidence of target organ damage. The key distinguishing features include significantly elevated blood pressure readings (172/94, 178/98), evidence of chronic hypertensive changes including prominent arteriovenous nicking and laterally displaced PMI, along with multiple cardiovascular risk factors. Students often struggle between primary and secondary hypertension, but remember that essential hypertension accounts for 90-95% of adult hypertension cases, especially with this demographic and risk factor profile.
Q2: What are the critical physical examination components I need to perform to score well?
Essential physical exam elements include systematic bilateral blood pressure measurement, comprehensive cardiac examination with attention to PMI location and heart sounds, detailed fundoscopic examination for retinal changes, peripheral pulse assessment, and evaluation for signs of target organ damage. Many students miss points by inadequately assessing for arteriovenous nicking or failing to properly evaluate the point of maximal impulse location, which are crucial for identifying chronic hypertensive changes.
Q3: How do I pass the Anselmo Lopez case and meet the 70% requirement?
You must score a cumulative 70% on the iHuman assessments to successfully complete the required lab component. To achieve this score, focus on thorough cardiovascular history-taking using systematic questioning about risk factors, complete all recommended physical exam components with attention to cardiac and fundoscopic assessment, propose appropriate differential diagnoses (including Essential Hypertension, Secondary Hypertension, and other cardiovascular causes), and develop a comprehensive evidence-based management plan that includes antihypertensive therapy, lifestyle modifications, and cardiovascular risk reduction strategies. The key is being systematic and remembering that cardiovascular cases require evidence-based management principles.
Q4: What management interventions should I include in my treatment plan?
The comprehensive management plan should focus on evidence-based antihypertensive therapy with ACE inhibitor (Lisinopril 10mg daily) or thiazide diuretic (HCTZ 25mg daily) as first-line agents. Include comprehensive lifestyle modifications with DASH diet counseling, sodium restriction (<2300mg daily), structured exercise prescription (150 minutes moderate aerobic activity weekly), and weight reduction strategies. Students often forget to address cardiovascular risk factor modification, regular blood pressure monitoring, and long-term follow-up planning, which are crucial components for managing essential hypertension and can significantly impact your overall score.